25 Business Ideas For Chemists [2024]

Updated: July 24th, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a chemist in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a chemist could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Chemists?

We put together 25 of some of the best chemist business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other chemist businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a supplements company ($412K/month)

For entrepreneurial-minded chemists, starting a supplements company could be a compelling venture to supplement your income or even build an entire business. Leveraging your expertise in chemistry, you could develop high-quality dietary supplements, vitamins, and protein powders that appeal to fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals.

Such a business is capital-efficient, as it’s relatively inexpensive to start and can be operated from the comfort of your home. You could tap into a growing market by selling directly to consumers or through distributors and retailers, capitalizing on your scientific knowledge to distinguish your products with superior formulations.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

How An Active Duty Soldier Built $6M/Year Bare Performance Nutrition

A military officer turned entrepreneur built sports nutrition brand Bare Performance Nutrition from $15,000 in year one to on track to generate $6m in revenue this year, leveraging social media platforms and creating interactive, relatable and valuable content to create a community and a brand voice.

Read by 42,064 founders

2. Start a soap business ($90.7K/month)

As a chemist, starting a soap business could be a natural extension of your skills and knowledge. With your understanding of chemical compositions and reactions, you could create unique, high-quality soaps that stand out in a growing market. This home-based or small local business offers a flexible way to supplement your income, taking advantage of your free time to earn extra money.

Your expertise would allow you to experiment with different formulations, ingredients, and fragrances, potentially developing products that cater to niche markets. With the initial supply costs being relatively low, around $1,000, and the increasing popularity of online skincare product sales, breaking into this field might be less challenging for someone with your background. Entrepreneurial-minded chemists could find success and satisfaction in blending their passion for chemistry with a lucrative side hustle or full-fledged business.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $380,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

Leaving The Cubicle To Start A $23K/Month Soap Company

Outlaw Soaps, a soap company that started with just $13.72 of supplies, now makes an average of $23,000/month, with 46% of website orders from repeat customers who are loyal to the company's unique products and top-notch customer service.

Read by 25,027 founders

3. Start a skin care product line ($121K/month)

As a chemist, leveraging your expertise to start a skincare product line could be a highly lucrative and fulfilling venture. The skincare industry, which was valued at $130 billion USD in 2021, is expanding at an annual growth rate of 4.6% up to 2030. This growth presents a prime opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded chemists to dive into a booming market.

You could utilize your knowledge in chemistry to develop innovative and safe skincare formulations, particularly in the high-demand anti-aging segment. By creating unique, scientifically-backed products, you could differentiate your brand in a crowded marketplace and build a loyal customer base.

Additionally, your ability to understand and manipulate chemical compounds ensures that you could produce effective and safe skincare solutions, giving you an edge over less scientifically-skilled competitors. Expanding your professional skillset into entrepreneurship could not only supplement your income but also potentially lead to a successful standalone business.

How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How Two Moms Started A Business Selling Homemade Body Butter

Two moms start a side hustle selling all-natural body products, doubling sales since their launch in 2017 with over 75 craft shows, promoting a non-profit source for their shea butter and self-promotion through podcasts, lining up retail interest from exposure.

Read by 34,717 founders

4. Start a natural beauty product business ($66.8K/month)

As a Chemist, you could seamlessly transition into the natural beauty product industry, leveraging your expertise in chemistry to formulate effective and safe products. Natural beauty products, such as those incorporating aloe vera, honey, or cocoa butter, align with consumer demand for items free from chemical and synthetic elements, creating a lucrative market niche.

The global natural skin care products market was valued at $6.7 billion in 2021, highlighting significant growth potential. By utilizing your knowledge to develop superior formulations, you could differentiate your products and build a thriving business. Considering the substantial market size and your professional background, starting a natural beauty product business could be both a rewarding and profitable venture.

How much you can make: $300 — $658,333/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How This Couple Started A $100K/Month Sea Moss Infused Health Supplements Brand

Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.

Read by 29,951 founders

5. Start a natural health product business ($188K/month)

As a chemist, you possess the scientific knowledge and technical expertise to develop high-quality natural health products. You could leverage your background in chemistry to create and test innovative supplements, foods, and drinks that cater to the growing demand for health and wellness solutions. With the natural health products industry projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% and surpass 32 billion dollars in the coming years, entering this market offers substantial economic potential.

Your understanding of chemical compounds and their effects on the human body positions you uniquely to develop products that are both effective and safe. By focusing on addressing specific health issues, you could attract a loyal customer base seeking reliable and scientifically-backed health solutions. Starting a natural health product business could not only supplement your income but also allow you to make a meaningful impact on people's lives through improved well-being.

How much you can make: $35,000 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Created A $30K/Month Greens Superfood Powder Supplement

SuperGreen TONIK's founder developed a greens powder supplement with 38 superfood nutrients, adaptogenic herbs, vitamins, and minerals that achieved $250k in sales in its first year and is looking to hit 7-figures in its second year, thanks to transparency, repeat customers, and focusing on fewer, properly dosed ingredients.

Read by 15,823 founders

6. Start a niche accessories brand ($288K/month)

As a chemist, starting a niche accessories brand could be an exciting way to supplement your income or even develop into a full-time business. Your scientific expertise can be leveraged to create unique, high-quality products that stand out in a crowded market. The niche market for custom accessories, with categories ranging from jewelry to small fashion apparel, is expected to grow significantly, offering numerous opportunities for entrepreneurial chemists.

The profit margins in niche accessories are notable due to high product markups. You could easily open a small Etsy store or sell your products through popular marketplaces like Amazon, Facebook, and eBay, reaching a wide audience with minimal overhead. With the market for custom accessories projected to be nearly $473.46 billion by 2020, you could tap into a lucrative segment while utilizing your skills in chemistry to innovate and create products that resonate with consumers.

How much you can make: $600 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How We Turned $20 Into A $100K/Month Accessory Brand

Braxton Manley started Braxley Bands with only $20, creating an elastic Apple Watch band and scaling the business to an impressive $100K a month on Shopify, all without any other capital or investment.

Read by 16,401 founders

7. Start a watch brand ($157K/month)

Starting a watch brand could be an exciting and profitable venture for a chemist. Using your knowledge of materials science, you could develop high-quality, durable watches that stand out in the luxury accessory market. Focus on incorporating innovative materials or unique chemical properties into your designs to create products that resonate with discerning customers.

Additionally, your analytical skills and attention to detail will be valuable in ensuring your timepieces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you opt for a high-end mechanical watch collection or smartwatches with integrated technology, your scientific expertise can help you push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.

Through strategic branding and marketing, you could establish a strong identity in the wristwatch industry. With dedication, your startup has the potential to grow from a small side business to a flourishing fashion empire.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $480,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)

How I Built A Booming Watch Brand From Nothing

Founder Ronnie Teja's purpose-driven watch brand, Branzio, has seen $25k in sales per month and is set to double in the next six months thanks to a focus on branding and building an aspirational brand with a loyal customer base.

Read by 23,878 founders

8. Start a dog treat business ($635K/month)

As a Chemist, you could seamlessly transition into the dog treat business by leveraging your expertise in chemistry to create healthy, natural, and scientifically-formulated treats. Your background can help you ensure your products meet nutritional requirements and are safe for canine consumption, providing an edge over competitors with less scientific know-how.

In addition, you could explore niche markets by offering specialty services like custom birthday cakes and holiday gift boxes for dogs. Utilizing both online platforms and local markets could transform your scientifically-backed homemade dog treats into a thriving side business or even a full-time entrepreneurial venture.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,833,333/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How This Couple Started A Healthy Dog Treat Business

Toronto-based Treats Happen saw a gap in the market for healthy dog treats, and now makes roughly $15K per month. Their biggest lesson? As a brand, they don't just sell on their website but want to be available on as many profitable channels as possible.

Read by 15,395 founders

9. Start a woodworking business ($15.8K/month)

As a chemist with an entrepreneurial spirit, you could consider starting a woodworking business as a profitable side hustle. This venture could complement your scientific skills by leveraging your precise attention to detail and methodical approach to creating custom wood pieces.

Operating a woodworking business from home provides the flexibility to balance this endeavor alongside your current profession. As you gain traction, you could scale the business and explore various opportunities, such as teaching others about woodworking, starting a blog, or flipping furniture for profit. This blue-collar enterprise offers unlimited earning potential and the satisfaction of nurturing a skill-based project.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $40,001/month

How long does it take to build: 204 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Took My Woodworking Hobby Full Time To Build A Successful Brand

Sasha Weekes, owner of Timber Grove Studios, turned her fine arts and cabinetmaking education into a successful home-based woodworking business that grew from a side project to netting 20-50% profits month-to-month and up to $10,000 in sales during peak periods through Etsy, with her company's growth continuing to increase through other social media outlets.

Read by 59,495 founders

10. Start a specialty food business ($49.8K/month)

As a chemist, you could leverage your expertise in biochemistry and food science to start a specialty food business, utilizing premium and unique ingredients sourced globally. Your background could enable you to craft foods that not only taste exceptional but also offer enhanced nutritional benefits through scientifically selected micro-ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.

Given the expanding global specialty food ingredients market, which is growing at an annual rate of 6.4%, this presents a lucrative opportunity to diversify your income stream. By identifying a niche, securing a reliable supplier, and navigating the necessary business registrations and permits, you could establish a side business or even a full-fledged enterprise that stands out for its quality and health benefits.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $124,998/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

How We Started A $25K/Month Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Desserts Business

ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.

Read by 14,060 founders

11. Start a healthy snack food business ($438K/month)

For a chemist, starting a healthy snack food business could be an incredibly fulfilling and lucrative venture. Your extensive knowledge of chemical properties and reactions gives you the upper hand in formulating snacks that are not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced and free from harmful additives.

Given the growing awareness and demand for healthier eating options, you could leverage your expertise to create innovative products in the expanding $152 billion healthy snacks market. By ensuring that your snacks feature high-quality ingredients and scientifically-backed health benefits, you could establish a reputable brand that attracts health-conscious consumers.

Additionally, your background in chemistry would allow you to experiment and perfect your recipes, ensuring consistency and quality. This scientific approach could set your business apart in a crowded marketplace, making your snack foods both nutritious and highly marketable.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 270 days (?)

How We Started A Caffeine Gum Product, Sold 12 Million Pieces, And Landed A Deal With CVS

Neuro co-founders Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen developed their functional gum and mint products to offer a portable, healthy, and efficient alternative to energy drinks and supplements, hitting 12M pieces sold and generating ~$500k in monthly revenue with over 25% repeat customer rate and retail presence in over 6,500 locations including 5,000 CVS stores.

Read by 19,748 founders

12. Start a cryptocurrency business ($60.7K/month)

If you're a chemist with an entrepreneurial mindset, consider diving into the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency. As someone accustomed to complex problem-solving and precision, you could leverage these skills to offer services such as crypto trading, mining, or even developing blockchain-based applications. Engaging with digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum could supplement your income and serve as a robust side business.

The cryptocurrency industry is at the intersection of finance and technology, requiring a keen understanding of market trends and regulatory updates—skills you’re likely to excel in given your scientific background. You could explore creating secure, transparent financial solutions using blockchain technology, or even launch your own token. This burgeoning field offers ample opportunities for innovation and disruption, making it an exciting venture for chemists looking to diversify their career paths.

How much you can make: $3,699 — $220,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

Earning $32,000 in 30 Days With a Crypto-Filled USB Drive

CBlocks is a cryptocurrency startup that generates random wallets of the top 100 cryptocurrencies, funds them, and ships them on a USB drive alongside software to manage them, with $32k made in the first 30 days and almost $3k on their second day from being featured in TheNextWeb, Forbes, The Outline & LifeHacker all within their first 3 weeks.

Read by 13,871 founders

13. Start a CBD oil business ($91K/month)

Starting a CBD oil business could be a lucrative opportunity for a chemist, especially given your expertise in chemical compounds and formulation. With the increasing demand for natural and non-toxic treatments for ailments such as anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, your knowledge could be vital in creating high-quality, effective CBD products. Your background in chemistry would enable you to ensure product purity and consistency, addressing a key consumer concern in this rapidly expanding market.

Given the extensive research supporting CBD's health benefits and the growing number of states legalizing its use, there is a substantial and expanding consumer base. You could develop a range of CBD products, from oils to topical applications, leveraging your skills to innovate and maintain high standards. This aligns with entrepreneurial goals by tapping into a robust, growing market and meeting consumer needs with scientifically sound products.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 130 days (?)

How I Started And Grew My CBD Oil Company To $3M ARR

CBD oil brand Populum grew from $650K to $1.4M in annual revenue in just one year, with monthly sales of $220K and an ARR of $3M, due to investing in high-quality, trustworthy hemp products and stellar customer service.

Read by 9,342 founders

14. Create a website builder ($667K/month)

As a chemist, you could capitalize on your analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail by starting a website builder business. This venture would allow you to create a user-friendly platform with drag-and-drop features, customizable templates, and integrated tools like eCommerce and SEO, catering to small businesses, freelancers, and personal brands.

The growing demand for websites presents a lucrative market, and your ability to develop a seamless user experience could set your website builder apart. By tapping into this trend, you could supplement your income or even transition to a full-time entrepreneurial pursuit, empowering users to easily establish their online presence.

How much you can make: $200 — $8,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A $8.5M/Month Company Providing Marketing Solutions To SMBs

Co-founder of Madwire JB Kellogg grew his business from just the two of them in a tiny office to over 500 employees and $100 million in annual revenue in under 10 years, by focusing on exceptional customer service and a multi-channel inbound strategy.

Read by 13,957 founders

15. Build an iPhone app ($238K/month)

As a chemist, starting an iPhone app presents an exciting opportunity to leverage your unique expertise and contribute to the growing demand for accessible scientific tools and knowledge. You could develop an app that offers reliable, detailed chemical databases, enabling users to easily look up molecular structures, safety data, or reaction mechanisms on-the-go. This could not only supplement your income but also help fellow chemists, students, and hobbyists who need quick and accurate information in their work or studies.

Alternatively, you could design an educational app focused on interactive learning experiences for students, featuring virtual lab simulations, quizzes, and tutorials. Such an app could serve as a valuable resource for educators and learners, enhancing the way chemistry is taught and understood. By capitalizing on the widespread usage of iPhones, you have the potential to reach a vast audience and make a significant impact, all while establishing a profitable side business or even a full-time venture.

How much you can make: $150 — $2,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 190 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

How I Created A $60K/Month App That Collects In-Person Payments Through Stripe

Payment.co, an app built on top of the Stripe payment gateway for creating card-present charges, has grown to process over $70M in volume annually since launching in 2015, with the app collecting a 1% service fee on every single charge.

Read by 23,269 founders

16. Start a software integration plugin ($33.3K/month)

As a chemist, you could leverage your analytical skills and systematic approach to develop a software integration plugin tailored to the needs of laboratories and research institutions. This plugin could seamlessly connect various pieces of laboratory software, such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), chemical inventory management tools, and data analysis programs, streamlining data flow and reducing the need for manual data entry.

Creating such a plugin would require an understanding of APIs, user-friendly interface design, and rigorous testing for compatibility. Given the increasing complexity of tech stacks in lab environments, businesses are actively seeking innovative solutions to integrate their operational tools. By developing a customizable and reliable software integration plugin, you could address a significant challenge in the industry, making your product essential for laboratories that strive for operational efficiency and accuracy.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,550 (?)

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

How I Launched A $12K/Month Amazon Seller Central And Google Sheets Integration

Gorilla ROI is a Google Sheets add-on that connects Amazon Seller Central to Google Sheets, now bringing in $12,000/month through organic inbound marketing, and focusing on scalability before any heavy push towards outbound marketing.

Read by 10,673 founders

17. Build an analytics tool ($170K/month)

If you’re a chemist with strong technical skills, creating an analytics tool could be an excellent side business or even a full-fledged venture. As a chemist, you are already well-versed in handling complex data sets, creating hypotheses, and validating results. These skills can be easily transferred to developing a software or app that helps other professionals make data-driven decisions.

Additionally, with the ever-growing importance of data in every industry, including chemistry, the demand for effective analytics tools is on the rise. You could design a platform that allows users to visualize and analyze their data, thereby enabling them to make more informed decisions. The market potential is significant, as evidenced by QlikView's substantial $750M in revenue in 2022. This indicates that there is room for profitable growth if you can offer a tool that meets the needs of businesses both large and small.

How much you can make: $20 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

How Our Privacy Friendly Web Analytics Tool Reached $4K/Month Without Paid Ads

Plausible Analytics, a privacy-friendly web analytics tool, reached $4,557 MRR and 743 paying subscribers by focusing on content marketing and engaging relevant communities, rather than paid advertising, while positioning itself as a lightweight, cookie-free and affordable alternative to Google Analytics.

Read by 10,198 founders

18. Start a handkerchiefs brand

As a chemist, you could leverage your understanding of materials and textile chemistry to develop a unique line of handkerchiefs. By focusing on hypoallergenic, sustainable, or innovative fabrics, you could carve out a niche in the market that appeals to environmentally conscious consumers or those with sensitive skin.

Additionally, your expertise in chemical processes could aid in creating handkerchiefs with special properties, such as antimicrobial features or enhanced absorbency. This would not only differentiate your product but also allow you to position your brand as a high-quality, scientifically-backed choice in the marketplace.

19. Start an automobile parts business ($436K/month)

As a Chemist, you could leverage your extensive knowledge of chemical compositions and properties to start an automobile parts business. Your expertise would be particularly beneficial when sourcing items such as engine oil, brake pads, and other components that require an understanding of material science and chemistry to ensure high quality and reliability. This could give you a competitive edge in selecting the best products to wholesale to auto repair shops, car dealerships, and body shops.

Additionally, your analytical skills could be invaluable in researching the market, identifying demand trends, and making data-driven decisions on which auto parts to stock. This could help you to source items at a lower price and sell them at a wholesale price, ensuring profitability for both your business and your customers. By applying your scientific background, you could carve out a niche in the auto parts industry, supplementing your income or even creating a full-time entrepreneurial venture.

How much you can make: $45,000 — $1,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Aftermarket Vehicle Accessories

This case study follows an inspiring 22-year-old entrepreneur who started an eCommerce store for aftermarket vehicle accessories, making 5x the amount of money he used to make per month, and generated over $90,000 in sales last year.

Read by 19,064 founders

20. Start a lead generation business ($194K/month)

As a Chemist, you possess a logical mindset and analytical skills that are invaluable for creating a successful lead generation business. You could leverage your expertise to identify and target niche markets within the chemical industry, such as suppliers, labs, or educational institutions, and provide them with high-quality leads to increase sales and growth.

By understanding the fundamentals of digital marketing, you could develop strategies to attract and capture potential customers for your clients. This side business could supplement your income and provide you with an entrepreneurial outlet, allowing you to apply your scientific acumen in a new and lucrative field.

How much you can make: $120 — $1,600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,125 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

Read by 24,693 founders

21. Start a SEO agency ($113K/month)

If you’re a chemist with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting an SEO agency could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. With the rapid growth in the SEO industry, you could tap into a market that is expected to see significant income increases over the next few years, with experts already making six-figure incomes. Given your analytical skills and attention to detail, which are crucial in chemistry, you could excel in SEO by effectively optimizing businesses' search engine rankings and managing their online visibility.

Starting an SEO agency has never been easier, and the tools required are more accessible than ever. With the competition not being as stiff as it used to be, this is a prime opportunity to establish yourself in a growing field. By researching how other digital agencies succeed, you could leverage your scientific acumen to create data-driven strategies that help businesses achieve better online presence and visibility.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,800,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started An SEO Agency For Lawyers Generating $3.6M/Year

Rankings.io is a hyper-focused SEO agency that helps elite personal injury law firms dominate first page rankings and was ranked #858 in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for 2018, with a current revenue just under $300,000 per month, with plans for a record-breaking year.

Read by 38,523 founders

22. Build a SEO tool ($99.8K/month)

As a chemist, you could leverage your analytical skills to develop an SEO tool that provides data and alerts about the health and success of a website. Your ability to dissect complex data sets and identify patterns is highly transferrable to the field of search engine optimization. By offering a tool that helps website owners quickly identify and fix SEO issues, you could create a new stream of income or even a fully-fledged business.

Your knowledge in research and problem-solving could be particularly valuable in this venture. Creating algorithms to track keyword performance, analyze backlinks, or monitor site speed are tasks that align well with your scientific expertise. Starting an SEO tool business could be a practical and lucrative path to supplement your income while making a meaningful impact on digital marketing efforts.

How much you can make: $2,800 — $850,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped My SaaS Company To $2.5M/Year In 5 Years As A Solo Founder

Solo founder Todd Hooper bootstrapped Prerender.io from zero to $2.5 million in ARR over 5 years by releasing an open-source project on Github and turning it into an SEO-friendly version of React, Angular, and Javascript websites, and then offering it as a SaaS service for businesses.

Read by 16,891 founders

23. Start a data analytics software business ($454K/month)

As a chemist, you could leverage your analytical skills to start a data analytics software business. Data analytics is crucial for organizations to make informed decisions by interpreting complex data sets. Your scientific background gives you an edge in understanding and developing precise analytical tools.

You could identify a specific niche or industry that could benefit from specialized data analytics software, such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, or chemical manufacturing. Developing user-friendly software that offers custom reporting tools, dashboards, and data visualization features tailored to that niche could create significant value for your clients.

Marketing your software effectively by highlighting its simplicity, efficiency, and the value it adds to clients' decision-making processes would be essential. By focusing on the unique needs and challenges of your target market, you could build a successful data analytics business that delivers real value to your customers.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

Diesel Laptops: From Selling on eBay to Making $20M/Year

Diesel Laptops, a B2B company that sells diesel diagnostic hardware, software, and services, successfully doubled revenue each year to make $20 million annually within three years, grew from its founder's garage and dining room table to a 21,000 square foot facility with over 90 employees by listening to customer pain points and offering the bundled products, technical support and repair information to attract and retain diesel technicians and repair shop owners.

Read by 18,728 founders

24. Start a time tracking app ($76.1K/month)

As a chemist, you could leverage your analytical skills and attention to detail to develop a time tracking app tailored to your field. This app could help other professionals in scientific research and laboratory environments track their hours and project times more efficiently, providing valuable insights into productivity and resource allocation.

Given the growing demand for remote work solutions and productivity tools, your app could cater specifically to the unique needs of chemists and other scientists. This niche focus could set your business apart in the crowded time-tracking market and offer you a lucrative side business or even a full-time entrepreneurial venture.

From defining the project scope to choosing the right software development methodology, your systematic approach could streamline the creation and launch of the app. By addressing the specific reporting and analytical needs of researchers, your time-tracking app could become an indispensable tool in any lab.

How much you can make: $350 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Launched A $185K/Month Employee Time & GPS Tracking App

Labor Sync is a mobile application that provides business owners with the ability to track the time and GPS location of their mobile workforce and after just one year of use, they saved $104,000 across 45 employees despite starting off with no funds for advertising or marketing.

Read by 8,138 founders

25. Start a summer camp

As a chemist, starting a summer camp could allow you to leverage your scientific expertise to create a unique and educational experience for young minds. You could design a science-focused camp that includes exciting chemistry experiments, hands-on activities, and interactive lessons that stimulate curiosity and a love for learning.

By offering specialized programs that aren't typically available at other camps, you could attract parents who are eager to provide their children with a summer of fun combined with meaningful educational enrichment. In addition, the booming summer camp industry, generating over $15 billion annually, presents a promising opportunity to supplement your income or potentially transition to a full-time business venture.

With the right planning, marketing, and a dedicated team, you could create a camp that not only engages children but also reinforces your passion for chemistry, making a positive impact on the next generation of scientists.

meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.